divisiveness

American  

[dih-vahy-siv-nis] / dɪˈvaɪ sɪv nɪs /

noun

1. a tendency to provoke dissension or discord.

   He called for an end to the divisiveness among council members, imploring them to unite and work together for the betterment of the city.

   Immigration bills are particularly difficult to pass because of the divisiveness of the issue.

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Other Word Forms

• nondivisiveness
  noun
• semidivisiveness
  noun
• undivisiveness
  noun

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Etymology

Origin of divisiveness

divisive ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

divisiveness

She added: "I was honestly surprised by the reaction. I'm against hate and divisiveness."

From Barron's ● Sep. 14, 2026

The part how-to book and part personal memoir is aimed at helping readers navigate the harsh political divisiveness in the culture.

From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 14, 2026

In an era when divisiveness reigns and everything seems to be designed to keep us at each other’s throats, Byrd makes camaraderie look as simple as it is.

From Salon ● Jul. 10, 2026

I don’t see Carol as representing arguing for anger and divisiveness.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 24, 2025

The divisiveness among scientific disciplines, especially between the basic sciences and the applied science of medicine, was then fostered deliberately by medical schools.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik

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Related Words

• animosity
• antagonism
• argument
• bickering
• clash
• conflict
• controversy
• debate
• difference
• discord
• dissent
• disunity
• division
• feud
• fight
• friction
• hostility
• misunderstanding
• opposition
• spat

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